IoT Node w/ AM2315 Sensor

This
was a test environment for an autonomous IoT node powerd by a solar
cell
and measuring temperature and humidity.

The AM2315 sensor is connected to a NodeMCU V2 module with customized
firmware (http://nodemcu-build.com/). The NodemCU module sends its data
to a Thingspeak server for storage and visualization.

The NodeMCU was powered by a Lithium-Polymer battery with a
capacity of 1400 mAh. Sending data in a five minute cycle would
discharge this battery in about six days. To recharge the battery it is
powered by a 2 W solar cell and a LiPo Battery Charger LiPo Rider Pro
to generate a stable power supply for the NodeMCU.

The
test started at 04/13/2016 and was fnished today. In the next time the
weather conditions will not be sufficient to recharge the battery.

Fazit from this test:

For
the conditions here we have to optimize the position of the solar panel
to generate enough power for recharging the battery.

Additionally
the operation rate should be reduced (was one measurement/10 min at last).
During operation the NodeMCU and its WiFi communication need a lot of
power.

Under
these conditions an IoT node w/ WiFi data transfer can work.
Alternatives like LoRa will be evaluated in the near future..